Tangy Starfruit Braised Tofu: A Flavorful Recipe for Rainy Days

Are you looking for a dish that’s both light and full of homely flavors? Tangy starfruit braised tofu is the perfect choice. The mild tartness of starfruit blends beautifully with the creamy tofu and a hint of chili heat, creating an unforgettable taste. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”!

Ingredients

To make this delicious tangy starfruit braised tofu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tofu: 5 pieces (choose soft and fresh).
• Starfruit: 2 fruits (ripe but not overly so).
• Pork belly (optional): 100g (adds richness to the dish).
• Scallions and cilantro: A small bunch, washed and finely chopped.
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (depending on your taste).
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, salt, cooking oil, seasoning powder, pepper.
• Shallots and garlic: 1 shallot, 2 cloves of garlic.

Tofu and starfruit ingredients

Preparing the Ingredients

Proper preparation is key to achieving the dish’s distinctive flavor:

• Tofu: Wash and cut into bite-sized squares. You can lightly fry the tofu to ensure it browns evenly and doesn’t break apart while braising.
• Starfruit: Wash, slice thinly into star shapes. Remove the edges to reduce bitterness.
• Pork belly: Wash and cut into small pieces.
• Scallions and cilantro: Finely chop.
• Fresh chili: Mince.
• Shallots and garlic: Mince finely.

Prepared ingredients for braising

Marinating

To ensure a rich flavor, marinate the tofu and pork belly thoroughly:

• Tofu: Marinate with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, mix gently, and let sit for about 15 minutes.
• Pork belly: Marinate with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, ½ teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and minced shallots and garlic. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

“The secret to delicious tangy starfruit braised tofu lies in thorough marination. This enhances the dish’s flavor and appeal.” – Culinary expert Nguyễn Lan.

Cooking Steps

Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare tangy starfruit braised tofu:

1. Step 1: Heat a pot over the stove, add cooking oil, and sauté the minced shallots and garlic until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the marinated pork belly and stir-fry until browned.
3. Step 3: Gently add the marinated tofu, stirring carefully to avoid breaking it.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced starfruit to the pot and mix well.
5. Step 5: Season with fish sauce, sugar, seasoning powder, and chili (to taste). Adjust the amounts of fish sauce and sugar based on the starfruit’s tartness.
6. Step 6: Pour in enough water to just cover the tofu. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and braise for 20-30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Occasionally stir gently to ensure the tofu absorbs the flavors evenly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot.
8. Step 8: Once the tofu and starfruit are tender and the sauce has reduced, turn off the heat.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro.

“Coconut caramel is the secret to giving the dish an appealing color and natural sweetness.” – Culinary expert Nguyễn Lan.

Finished tangy starfruit braised tofu

Enjoying the Dish

Tangy starfruit braised tofu is best enjoyed hot with steamed rice. The tangy flavor of the starfruit combined with the creamy tofu and savory sauce will make your meal complete.

Tips for Perfection

• Lightly fry the tofu before braising to prevent it from breaking apart.
• Choose starfruit that’s just ripe to balance the tartness.
• Adjust the sugar if the starfruit is too tart.
• Simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld into the tofu and starfruit.
• Add fresh chili to enhance the dish’s richness.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions about Tangy Starfruit Braised Tofu)

• Question: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  Answer: Yes! Just omit the pork belly and replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
• Question: How can I keep the tofu from breaking apart?
  Answer: Lightly fry the tofu before braising and stir gently during cooking.
• Question: What if the starfruit is too tart?
  Answer: Add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.
• Question: How long can I store the dish?
  Answer: Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
• Question: Can I substitute starfruit with another ingredient?
  Answer: You can use tamarind or pickled plums, but the flavor will be different.

Conclusion

Tangy starfruit braised tofu is a simple yet incredibly appealing dish, perfect for any family meal. With the detailed recipe from “Sổ Tay Món Ăn,” we hope you’ll easily prepare this at home. Share your results with us!

Wishing you success and delicious meals with your loved ones!